THE MT. MERU TREK

Duration: 3N/4D of trekking
Start point: Momella Gate
Activity: Trekking
Difficulty: Easy-to-Medium
Max Height: 4,562 m / 14,967ft.
Min. age: 10

Mt. Meru trek overview:

The Mt. Meru trek takes you to the summit of the 5th tallest peak in Africa, making it is an exciting feat that is sought after by both beginners and experienced hikers alike. Mt. Meru is a dormant stratovolcano, having undergone multiple changes since its last eruptions centuries ago. As you climb Mt. Meru, you will truly realise why it is widely known for its unique topography and stunning views, with volcanic ash cones and craters.

On this Meru trek, you spend 4 days in the wilderness of the Arusha National Park, passing through alpine forests and rocky volcanic outcrops. As you climb Mt. Meru from the north-eastern slope, you also get stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Mt. Meru trek highlights:

Conquer Mt. Meru in 4 days
Witness changing landscapes, from alpine forests to rocky lands as you climb Mt. Meru
Spend your nights in traditional huts at Miriakamba and Saddle Hut
Also trek to the Little Meru peak

Pick up point:

Serena Mountain Village / Planet Lodge.

How to get there:

The most convenient airport to arrive to is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Our driver and/or guide will be at the airport to greet you upon arrival and drive you to the start point. Please refer to the itinerary for the accommodation arrangements. Please note, you can arrive a day earlier to start the Mt. Meru trek the next day or arrive just in time to start the Mt. Meru trek the same day.

Included:

- Accommodation
- Meals
- Park fees
- Transport
- Support crew fee (guides, porters, cook and ranger)

Exclusions:

- Tips
- Extra porter
- Beverages
- Personal gear
- Insurance
- Emergency transport
- Extra day on the mountain.

Sketch itinerary:

- Day 0:Arrive in Moshi
- Day 1:Trek from Momella gate to Miriakamba through the unique Fig tree.
- Day 2:Trek from Miriakamba to Saddle Hut with a trek to Little Meru for acclimatisation
- Day 3: Trek to summit; descent to Miriakamba via Saddle Hut
- Day 4:Descent to Momella gate

What to expect:

- Hike through the lush greenery of Mt. Meru
- Experience bouldering on summit day
- Some sections of steep terrain on the way up and down

What to wear:

- Comfortable hiking clothes (avoid bright colours, i.e., white, red, etc.)
- Outer layers like wind jackets that can be easily layered on or off according to weather changes
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Gloves
- Warm hat
- Rain gear like a poncho

What to carry:

- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- A daypack
- Rain cover for your bag
- Two 1Lt / 32oz water bottle
- Dry snacks
- Insect repellent
- Poncho (rain jacket)
- Headlamp or torch
- Trekking pole
- Basic first aid kit
- Medication (if required to carry any)
- Toiletries
- Passport

When to go:

The best time to enjoy Mt. Meru trek and its surrounding vistas is between Jan – Mar, Jul – Oct, or Dec.

Photos

Itinerary

Day 0 of the Mt. Meru trek: Arrive Moshi, Tanzania

Kili Treks Tanzania staff member will greet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport upon arrival and transfer you to your lodge.

Overnight: Serena Mountain Village / Planet Lodge.

Day 1of the Mt. Meru trek: Trek to Miriakamba (8,251 ft. | 2,515 m)

Today, you will be driven from your lodge to the start point of the trek in the Arusha National Park. Once all formalities are cleared, your guide and armed ranger will begin your Mt. Meru trek towards your stop for the day, the Miriakamba huts. This route will take you through the lush rain forests up to the Fig Tree picnic site where you will stop for lunch before continuing towards Miriakamba.

Accommodation: Miriakamba hut

Trekking time: 4 – 5 hours

Meals included: Lunch, tea and snacks, and dinner

Day 2 of the Mt. Meru trek: Climb Mt. Meru summit (15,015 ft. / 4,570 m); descent to Miriakamba hut

It’s finally summit day! Kick start your day with a 5-hour trek to the Meru summit, Socialist Peak. You will witness a golden sunrise over Mt. Kilimanjaro on the Meru trek. After you summit, descend down to the Saddle Hut, and then to Miriakamba hut for a rest after an exceptional day.

Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut
Trekking time: 7 – 9 hrs

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, tea and snacks, and dinner

Day 3of the Mt. Meru trek: Climb Mt. Meru summit (15,015 ft. / 4,570 m); descent to Miriakamba hut

Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut
Trekking time: 7 – 9 hrs

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, tea and snacks, and dinner

Day 4 of the Mt. Meru trek: Trek to Momella gate

On your last day, you’ll have a delicious breakfast, and begin your trek back to the Momella gate through a buffalo glade. Your Mt. Meru trek ends here.

Trekking hours: 2 – 3hrs
Meals included: Breakfast

FAQ

I’m a beginner – am I still eligible for the Mt. Meru trek?

Yes! The Mt. Meru trek is a short and easy trek with plenty of time to acclimatize. The ascend is gradual with very few tricky spots to tackle. Do make sure that you’re physically fit enough to trek long hours each day.

How can I prepare for the Mt. Meru trek?

We recommend exercises that help build your stamina, control your breathing, increase your endurance, and get you accustomed to climbing on inclines. You can train with cardio exercises, yoga, and frequent runs. Ideally, we’d recommend a few short, high-altitude treks around your city to make your body accustomed to different terrains and hiking with a full backpack.

How many hours will I trek each day on the Mt. Meru trek?

On the Mt. Meru trek, you’ll trek between 2 – 5 hours most days. The summit day is a bit longer day, with trekking hours going up to 7 – 9 hours.

When is the best time to go on the Mt. Meru trek?

The best months to go are from January to March, July to October, and December. The mountain receives considerable rainfall between April and June and in November, making the trek less ideal.

How to do I get to the start or pick up point of the Mt. Meru trek?

The best way to reach Kilimanjaro is to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The airport is frequented by many international airlines from across the world. From the airport, we will transfer you to your lodge (which, as with the transfer back to the airport at the end of your trek, is included in the price of your trek).

What gear is needed while on the Mt. Meru trek?

No specialty mountaineering gear is needed (i.e., ice axe, crampons, helmet, etc.) to climb Kilimanjaro. However, basic trekking gear like hiking boots, base layers, fleece hats and gloves, a fleece sweater, etc. are required. Once you’ve joined a Mt. Meru trek, you’ll receive a detailed packing list and rental gear list to help you prepare.

What kind of accommodation will be provided on the Mt. Meru trek?

During the Mt. Meru trek, you’ll stay huts at Miriakamba. These wooden huts can house up to 4 travelers and their gear. The huts have solar lights and mattresses. You will have common washrooms and sinks in a separate building along with a common dining area.

What kind of food will I eat on the Mt. Meru trek?

Our highly trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day. We are also equipped to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals with advance request.

Where can I get drinking water throughout the Mt. Meru trek?

We provide clean drinking water each night for you to fill up your water bottles for the trek. We recommend you bring two to three 1-ltr bottles.

What medication should I carry on the Mt. Meru trek?

It is important to consult your doctor before departing for the trek for the types of medications you need to carry with you. Make sure you carry any prescription medicines you need. Though all our guides carry a first aid kit, make sure you carry one yourself in case you need immediate help. Carry enough medication to last you the duration of the trek and a few extra in case your trip gets extended.

Will there be network on the Mt. Meru trek?

Cellular network is extremely inconsistent on the Mt. Meru trek. You can check with your guide or porters to know when the occasional signal pops up, but that, too, is infrequent.

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